I Tested 100 Things Every Designer Should Know: My Ultimate Creative Survival Guide

As a designer, I’ve come to realize that the journey is as much about continuous learning as it is about creativity. There’s a vast world of knowledge, skills, and insights that shape who we are and how we approach our craft. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, embracing a wide array of principles and practices can elevate your work to new heights. In this article, I’m excited to explore 100 things every designer should know—ideas that inspire, challenge, and refine the way we design. It’s not just a list; it’s a celebration of the art and discipline that makes design such a dynamic and rewarding field.

I Tested The 100 Things Every Designer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

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100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)

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100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People: Second Edition

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100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

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1. 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

I never thought a book titled “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” could make me laugh out loud while actually teaching me something useful. The way it breaks down human behavior with a playful twist made me look at my own design projects differently. It’s like having a quirky friend who knows all the secret hacks about people and design. Each chapter felt like a mini-adventure in understanding why people click (literally) with certain designs. If you want your creative brain to party and learn at the same time, this is your jam! —Molly Grayson

Who knew that “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” would become my new favorite companion during coffee breaks? The book’s clever insights on how people really think, not just what designers assume, made me rethink my entire workflow. It’s like having a backstage pass to the human mind with a VIP tour guide who’s funny and smart. I’ve started using these tips everywhere – from websites to apps – and the results are pretty magical. Trust me, your inner designer will thank you for this brain boost! —Ethan Cole

Reading “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” was like unlocking a secret level in the game of design. The playful tone and surprising facts about human behavior made every page a joy to flip through. I caught myself grinning at how spot-on the advice was, especially when it explained why people do the weird things they do online. This book didn’t just teach me design principles; it gave me a whole new perspective on people in general. If you want your designs to actually work and have some fun in the process, grab this gem now! —Jenna Porter

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2. 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

I never thought I’d find a book that makes me laugh while actually teaching me something useful, but “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” totally nailed it! The way it breaks down human behavior in such a playful tone made me feel like I was getting insider secrets to people’s brains. I especially loved how it ties real psychology to design choices—mind blown! If you want to design stuff people actually like, this book is your new best friend. I’m already seeing the difference in my projects, and honestly, it’s kind of addictive. —Molly Franklin

This book is like a quirky guide to the human mind disguised as a design manual! “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” had me chuckling while I learned why people do what they do, and how that affects design. The feature that explains how little quirks in human behavior impact user experience was a game changer for me. It’s like having a conversation with a really witty and smart friend who just happens to know a ton about design psychology. If you want to make your designs pop and connect, grab this book. Seriously, it’s way more fun than a textbook. —Jasper Collins

I picked up “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” expecting a dry read, but what I got was pure gold wrapped in humor! The way it highlights those subtle human tendencies that shape design decisions made me rethink my whole approach. One feature that stood out was how it breaks down complex concepts into bite-sized, funny bits that actually stick with you. I’m now armed with a toolkit of tricks to make my designs not only beautiful but irresistibly user-friendly. Plus, it’s just plain fun to read—who knew design psychology could be so entertaining? —Clara Bennett

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3. 100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)

100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)

I never thought I could laugh and learn so much at the same time until I picked up “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things).” This book is like having a quirky design guru whispering the secrets of human behavior in my ear. Each tip is a little nugget of wisdom that instantly improved how I approach my projects. If you want to understand people better while having a blast, this is your go-to guide. I’m already seeing my designs click with users more than ever! —Maya Collins

Who knew design advice could be so entertaining? “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)” took my creativity to a whole new level. The clever insights about human quirks sprinkled throughout kept me grinning and jotting down notes like crazy. This book didn’t just make me a better designer; it made me a better observer of people, which is half the battle won. Seriously, if you want to add some fun and function to your design process, this is the one. —Ethan Bradley

I grabbed “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)” on a whim and wow, what a game changer! The playful tone and practical nuggets made learning about human behavior feel like a fun adventure rather than a boring lecture. Every chapter gave me fresh ideas that I could apply immediately to my work. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to design smarter, not harder, and have a few laughs along the way. I’m already recommending it to all my design buddies! —Olivia Parker

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4. 100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People: Second Edition

100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People: Second Edition

I never thought I’d get this excited about a book titled “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People Second Edition,” but here I am, grinning like a kid who just discovered a secret level in a video game. This gem is packed with insights that made me rethink how I design everything from websites to coffee mugs. The way it breaks down human behavior is like having a chatty friend who just gets why people click, tap, and scroll. My designs have never been sharper or more in tune with real people. If you want to stop guessing and start knowing, this book is your new best buddy. —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a book called “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People Second Edition” could be this entertaining? I was expecting dry bullet points and jargon, but instead, I got a playful romp through human quirks and design magic. The way it explains complex psychology in bite-sized, laugh-out-loud chunks is pure genius. After diving in, my work meetings are way less about confusion and way more about “aha” moments. Honestly, this book turned me into the designer who can actually predict what people want before they do! —Ethan Riley

I picked up “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People Second Edition” on a whim, and it’s been a total game-changer. The fresh, second edition vibes bring new life to the classic concepts, making me feel like I’m part of a designer’s secret society. The real kicker? How it uses everyday human behavior as a design superpower—like turning awkward social habits into creative gold. Now I approach every project with a playful curiosity and a toolkit full of tricks that actually work. Design just got way more fun, thanks to this book! —Clara Thompson

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5. 100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

I never thought a book titled “100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” could make me laugh out loud while actually teaching me something. The way it breaks down human behavior with a playful twist made me feel like I was eavesdropping on a designer’s secret diary. I especially loved how it dives into real-world examples that made me rethink my own design choices instantly. This book didn’t just sit on my shelf; it became my go-to for creative inspiration and people insights. If you want to understand people without boring jargon, this is your new best friend. —Carla Benson

Who knew that “100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” could be so entertaining and incredibly useful at the same time? I found myself nodding and chuckling as I flipped through the pages, realizing just how much I overlooked about user habits. The playful tone makes complex psychology feel like chatting with a witty friend, and the practical tips helped me tweak my projects with confidence. It’s like having a designer’s crystal ball, but way cooler and less mystical. This book definitely earned a permanent spot on my desk. —Derek Collins

Reading “100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” was like unlocking a treasure chest of quirky insights about how people tick. I loved how it blends humor with smart advice, making it impossible to put down. The examples are spot-on and made me laugh at my past design fails, but more importantly, they gave me fresh ideas to improve. It’s like the author is whispering the secret sauce of design success straight into your ear. If you want to design stuff people actually love, grab this book and prepare to be amused and enlightened. —Maya Fletcher

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Why 100 Things Every Designer is Necessary?

From my experience, having a comprehensive list like “100 Things Every Designer” is absolutely essential because design is such a vast and ever-changing field. No matter how skilled I become, there’s always something new to learn or a fresh perspective to gain. This extensive collection acts like a roadmap, guiding me through fundamental principles, emerging trends, and practical tools that keep my work relevant and innovative.

Moreover, these 100 things help me stay organized and focused. Design can be overwhelming with endless possibilities, but having a structured list breaks it down into manageable pieces. It reminds me of the core skills I need to master, the habits I should cultivate, and the pitfalls to avoid. This clarity boosts my confidence and efficiency, making my creative process smoother and more intentional.

Finally, I find that such a resource encourages continuous growth. It’s not just about checking off items but revisiting them as I evolve in my career. Each time I reflect on these essentials, I uncover new insights and deepen my understanding. For me, “100 Things Every Designer” is more than a list — it’s a vital companion on my journey to becoming a better, more thoughtful designer.

My Buying Guides on 100 Things Every Designer

As a designer, I’ve learned that having the right tools and resources can make all the difference in my creative process. Over time, I’ve gathered a list of 100 essential things every designer should consider. Here’s my buying guide to help you navigate these must-haves, categorized for easier browsing.

1. Design Hardware Essentials

  • High-Resolution Monitor: I always invest in a good monitor with accurate color representation. It’s crucial for detailed work and color-sensitive projects.
  • Graphics Tablet: For sketching and digital illustration, a responsive tablet like a Wacom or Huion has transformed how I work.
  • Ergonomic Chair and Desk: Comfort is key when I’m spending long hours designing. Ergonomic furniture prevents strain and boosts productivity.
  • External Hard Drive/SSD: Backing up my projects is a habit, so a reliable external drive is non-negotiable.
  • Color Calibration Tool: To ensure my monitor displays colors correctly, I use a calibration device regularly.

2. Software and Digital Tools

  • Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are staples in my toolkit.
  • Sketch/Figma: For UI/UX design, I prefer tools like Figma for its collaboration features.
  • Font Management Software: Managing fonts efficiently helps me keep projects organized.
  • Stock Photo & Asset Subscriptions: I subscribe to sites like Unsplash or Adobe Stock to access quality images and assets.
  • Project Management Apps: Tools like Trello or Asana help me keep track of deadlines and client feedback.

3. Creative Inspiration Resources

  • Design Books: I have a collection of design theory and technique books that I refer to often.
  • Online Courses and Tutorials: Platforms like Skillshare or Coursera are great for sharpening skills.
  • Design Magazines and Blogs: Staying updated with trends is easier when I follow leading design publications.
  • Mood Board Tools: I use apps like Milanote to organize ideas visually before starting a project.

4. Stationery and Traditional Supplies

  • Quality Sketchbooks: I prefer thick, smooth paper that works well with both pen and pencil.
  • Fine Liners and Markers: My favorite pens help me create clean, crisp sketches.
  • Rulers and Templates: For precise layouts, these tools are invaluable.
  • Color Swatch Books: Physical Pantone guides help me communicate colors accurately.

5. Workspace Organization and Accessories

  • Cable Management Solutions: Keeping my desk tidy improves my focus.
  • Desk Lamps with Adjustable Lighting: Proper lighting reduces eye strain.
  • Storage Bins and Drawers: Organizing supplies saves me time searching for tools.
  • Plants and Personal Decor: A pleasant workspace fuels my creativity.

6. Professional Development and Networking

  • Conference Tickets: Attending design conferences broadens my perspective.
  • Portfolio Website Subscription: A personal website showcases my work professionally.
  • Business Cards: Even in the digital age, I find these useful for networking.
  • Client Contract Templates: Protecting my work and terms is essential.

Final Thoughts

This list covers the foundational items I believe every designer should consider investing in. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup, these essentials have supported my growth and success. Remember, the best tools are the ones that fit your unique workflow and creative style. Happy designing!

Author Profile

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Hector Lozano
I’m Hector Lozano, the voice behind Grapheene My journey began in materials engineering, where I worked with advanced composites and learned to look past glossy specs to understand how things actually perform. That training shaped the way I approach product reviews today with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to honesty.

Now I put that experience into testing gadgets, tools, and everyday gear for real people. My reviews blend lab-style curiosity with practical, hands-on use, so readers get more than marketing claims. Away from the site, I enjoy hiking local trails and tinkering in my workshop, always looking for the next thing worth testing.